Bantyukova Alena

The project work of Alena Bantyukova is devoted to the study of British winter holidays: Christmas, New Year, Valentine's Day.

The relevance of this work is due to its inclusion in the range of regional studies topics in the school curriculum. English language for grade 5, related to the study of traditions and customs of the country of the language being studied, and is determined by the need for an in-depth study of the cultural and national characteristics of British holidays from the perspective of a communicative approach in connection with the increased role of knowledge of the English language in modern society.

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MBOU ZARECHENSKAYA CLASSICAL GYMNASIUM

HOLIDAYS IN BRITAIN:

CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR, ST. DAY VALENTINE

information project

in English language

Bantyukova Alena

student of 5th grade "B"

Supervisor:

Pronchatova E.G.

English teacher

With. Totskoye – 2

2013

ZARECHENSKAYA CLASSICAL GIMNAZIYA

HOLIDAYS IN BRITAIN:

CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR, ST. VALENTINES DAY

The English Information Project

Bantukova Alena

The pupil 5 "C" class

Supervisor

Pronchatova E.G.

The Teacher of English

Totskoye – 2

2013

CONTENTS

PROJECT

(INTRODUCTION)………………………………………………………………………………4

§1. TRADITIONS OF CELEBRATON NEW YEAR IN DIFFERENT

COUNTRIE ( TRADITIONS OF CELEBRATING THE NEW YEAR IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES)………………………………………………………………………………………… 6

§2. HISTORY AND TRADITIONS OF CELEBRATION CHRISTMAS (HISTORY AND TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION)………………. 16

§ 3. TRADITIONS OF CELEBRATON ST’VALENTINES DAY

(TRADITIONS OF CELEBRATING ST. VALENTINE'S DAY)………. 20

CONCLUSIONS………………………………………………………27

BIBLIOGRAPHY (REFERENCES)…………………………….. 28

APPENDIX 1 APPENDIX 1 Individual technological

map………………………………………………………………………………………. 29

APPENDIX 2 APPENDIX 2 Presentation slides……………………… 31

METHODOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PROJECT

1. Topicality

Who doesn't love holidays? There is hardly such a person! An atmosphere of comfort and kindness, cheerful faces of people, a rich table with treats, games and entertainment. And, of course, gifts! In winter there are especially many holidays in both Russia and Great Britain. In our project work we wanted to know about the features of celebrating New Year, Christmas and Valentine's Day in different countries ah (China, USA, Russia, UK, etc.). And also compare the traditions and customs of winter holidays in Russia and Great Britain.

1. Problem

From the rich amount of information, select and systematize the most interesting material in two languages ​​(Russian and English), talk about winter holidays in English.

1. Theme: Holidays in Britain: Christmas, New Year,

Valentine's Day.Holidays in Britain: Christmas, New Year,St. Valentine's Day.

1. Object (research object): winter holidays in Britain (Christmas, New Year, Valentine's Day).
2. Subject matter (subject of research): history, customs and traditions of holidays.
3. Aim (target)

Study the winter holidays of the country of the language being studied, in order to apply the acquired knowledge in the conditions of entering the language environment, as well as in further education.

1. Tasks

educational objectives

- activate and expand your vocabulary on the topic “Holidays”:

Develop the ability to work with text, highlight the main points, find the necessary information;

Develop the skills of composing a short monologue statement in English with supports;

Learn to systematize information received from different sources and transform it into a monologue.

Developmental tasks – develop interest in learning English, promote the development of logical general educational skills, develop imagination and memory.

Educational tasks – cultivate a positive attitude towards the culture and holidays of other countries, expand your general horizons, and learn to present material aesthetically and competently.

1. Methods

Search engine – information on the Internet, library collections, additional literature, audio and video materials.

Analysis – selection of only the most important and interesting information on a topic.

Synthesis – summarizing the information received and structuring it into categories.

§ 1. TRADITIONS OF CELEBRATING THE NEW YEAR IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.

New year in Russia.

There are quite a lot of traditions for celebrating the New Year in Russia. But what’s interesting is that most of them are borrowed from Western culture. This is apparently explained by two reasons: firstly, the arrival of Christianity in Slavic Rus' completely, or almost completely destroyed the pagan traditions of welcoming the new year and seeing off the old one. Secondly, the nobility and nobility imported new Western customs into Russia, which were subsequently adopted by the common people and became popular. Moreover, each era brought something new. From the times of Slavic paganism we inherited mummers, buffoons and jesters. The era of Peter the Great and subsequent reformer rulers brought a New Year tree with toys, fireworks, Santa Claus and New Year's table(they didn’t know pickles like Olivier salads and vinaigrette before him, they made do with porridge and pies). And the country of the Soviets gave us Father Frost and the Snow Maiden, the obligatory Champagne with tangerines on the table and the striking of the Chimes.

New Year in China.

Chinese New Year is celebrated between January 17 and February 19, during the new moon. Street processions are the most exciting part of the holiday. Thousands of lanterns are lit during processions to light the way into the New Year. The Chinese believe that the New Year is surrounded by evil spirits. Therefore, they scare them away with firecrackers and firecrackers. Sometimes the Chinese cover windows and doors with paper to keep out evil spirits. New Year in China is a strictly family holiday, and every Chinese strives to spend it with their family. On the evening of the last day of the year, each family gathers in its entirety in the living room for a festive dinner. During this dinner, which took place under the sign of the unity of the clan, and above all the unity of its living and deceased members, its participants eat dishes that are first offered to the spirits of their ancestors. At the same time, family members have the opportunity to forgive each other for old grievances. After finishing the meal, no one went to bed, so as not to miss their future happiness. Night vigils for the New Year were called “protecting the year.”

New Year in Japan.

New Year in India.

The traditional New Year, which is celebrated on January 1, is not for all countries the starting point of the new calendar year. Hindus, for example, celebrate this holiday more than four times a year - this is their national peculiarity... India is one of the countries where many cultures and subcultures intersect. Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists live there, but, nevertheless, the bulk of the population professes the ancient religion of Hinduism. And their New Year, accordingly, begins according to the prescriptions of the Hindu calendar. This does not mean that Hindus skimp on the Islamic and Christian New Years - they gladly take part in the celebration of these celebrations, as well as the Nativity of Christ. The traditional Indian year, called Gudi Padwa, this time begins on March 26, but each year the date changes depending on the lunar calendar. The New Year celebration lasts more than one day and is accompanied by various carnival processions, fairs and other paraphernalia. But, since the political, economic and social spheres of the country are guided by the Christian calendar, the first of January is also not ignored. Hindus in Tamil Nadu celebrate the start of the new year on April 14, which coincides with the official arrival of spring. In Andhra Pradesh, the new calendar year begins only on March 26th. Residents of Kashmir generally begin counting the New Year on March 10, and continue to celebrate until the end of the celebrations in all states, and in West Bengal, the New Year comes on April 13. Don't forget about celebrating the New Year according to the Eastern calendar, as well as the Muslim New Year. Thus, we can say with complete confidence that India is the most New Year's country in the world.

New Year in Turkey.

Muslims are not prohibited from celebrating the New Year, but it is not recommended to decorate the Christmas tree and invite Santa Claus. This is stated in the New Year's statement by the head of Turkish Muslims. The tradition of celebrating the New Year is recognized throughout the world and is part of world culture, but Christmas is a religious holiday and has nothing to do with the New Year. Muslims should not confuse the two holidays, and the use of Christmas symbols on New Year's Day indicates "religious and cultural degradation." The tradition of celebrating the New Year with a Christmas tree is widespread in Turkey. However, in a number Muslim countries New Year's celebrations are discouraged. In particular, in Saudi Arabia this is punishable by arrest.

Traditions of celebrating the New Year.

The very first on the globe to celebrate the New Year are the inhabitants of the 160 islands of the Fiji archipelago (there are 320 islands in the archipelago, but some of them are uninhabited).

Nowhere in the world is New Year celebrated as often as on the Indonesian island of Bali. The fact is that a year in Bali lasts only 210 days. The main attribute of the festival is multi-colored rice, from which long ribbons, often two meters long, are baked...

Muslims use moon calendar Therefore, the date of the New Year for Muslims moves forward 11 days every year. In Iran, New Year is celebrated on March 21st. A few weeks before the New Year, people plant grains of wheat or barley in a small dish. By the New Year, the grains sprout, which symbolizes the beginning of spring and a new year of life.

Hindus celebrate New Year in different ways depending on where they live. It is not so easy for a resident of India to determine what year it is. India celebrates four eras: Salivaha, Vikramditya, Jaina and Buddha. In the south of India, the New Year is celebrated in March, in the north of the country - in April, in the west - at the end of October, and in the state of Kerala - either in July or in August. Residents of northern India decorate themselves with flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, or white. In south India, mothers place sweets, flowers, small gifts on a special tray. On New Year's morning, children must wait with their eyes closed until they are led to the tray. In central India, orange flags are hung on buildings. In western India, small lights are lit on the roofs of houses. On New Year's Day, Hindus think of the goddess of wealth Lakshmi.

The Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashanah. This is a holy time when people think about the sins they have committed and promise to atone for them next year with good deeds. Children are given new clothes. People bake bread and eat fruit.

Chinese New Year is celebrated between January 17 and February 19, during the new moon. Street processions are the most exciting part of the holiday. Thousands of lanterns are lit during processions to light the way into the New Year. The Chinese believe that the New Year is surrounded by evil spirits. Therefore, they scare them away with firecrackers and firecrackers. Sometimes the Chinese cover windows and doors with paper to keep out evil spirits.

In Japan, New Year is celebrated on January 1st. The custom of seeing off the Old Year is obligatory, including organizing receptions and visiting restaurants. As the New Year begins, the Japanese begin to laugh. They believe that laughter will bring them good luck in the coming year. First New Year's Eve It is customary to visit the temple. The temples ring a bell 108 times. With each blow, as the Japanese believe, everything bad goes away, which should not happen again in the New Year. To keep out evil spirits, the Japanese hang bundles of straw at the entrance to their houses, which they believe brings good luck. In houses, rice cakes are placed in a prominent place, on top of which tangerines are placed, symbolizing happiness, health and longevity. In Japan, the European Christmas tree is decorated with exotic plants growing on the islands.

In Korea, after celebrating the New Year, festivities begin on the village streets, during which girls always compete in high jumps.

In Vietnam, New Year is called Tet. He is met between January 21 and February 19. The exact date of the holiday changes from year to year. The Vietnamese believe that a god lives in every home, and on New Year's Day this god goes to heaven to tell how each family member spent the past year. The Vietnamese once believed that God swam on the back of a carp fish. Nowadays, on New Year's Day, the Vietnamese sometimes buy live carp and then release it into a river or pond. They also believe that the first person to enter their home in the New Year will bring good or bad luck for the coming year.

In Mongolia, the New Year is celebrated at the Christmas tree, although the Mongolian Santa Claus comes to the children dressed as a cattle breeder. IN New Year's celebration Sports competitions, games, tests of dexterity and courage are held.

Burma celebrates the New Year in April, when the tropical rains end. As a sign of gratitude to nature, Burmese people pour water on each other and wish each other a Happy New Year.

In Haiti, New Year is the beginning of a new life and is therefore considered the most beloved holiday. For the New Year, Haitians try to thoroughly clean their homes, repair furniture or replace it with new ones, and also make peace with those with whom they have quarreled.

In Kenya, it is customary to celebrate the New Year on the water. On this day, Kenyans swim in rivers, lakes, and the Indian Ocean, ride boats, sing and have fun.

In Sudan, you need to celebrate the New Year on the banks of the Nile, then all your wishes will come true.

In Panama on New Year's Day there is an unimaginable noise, cars honking, people screaming... According to ancient belief, noise scares away evil spirits.

The Navajo Indians of North America have preserved the custom of celebrating the New Year around a huge bonfire in a forest clearing. They dance in white robes, their faces are painted White color, in the hands of sticks with balls of feathers at the ends. The dancers try to be closer to the fire, and when the balls burst into flames, they rejoice. But then sixteen of the most strong men, they carry a bright red ball and, to the music, pull it with a rope to the top of a high pole. Everyone shouts: A new Sun has been born!

The USA celebrates the New Year pompously, colorfully and enthusiastically - in anticipation of gifts from “Santa Claus”. America breaks all records every year greeting cards and Christmas gifts.

In Cuba, the clock only strikes 11 times on New Year's Day. Since the 12th strike falls right on New Year's Day, the clock is allowed to rest and calmly celebrate the holiday with everyone. In Cuba, before the New Year, all the dishes in the house are filled with water, and after midnight they throw it out onto the street, wishing that the New Year would be as clear and clean as water.

Latin America accompanies the New Year's Eve street carnivals, theatrical performances of a mass nature.

In Australia, travel agencies for the New Year offer: shows with Polynesian dances and aborigines, representatives ancient culture Australia; walk through a glass tunnel laid in the water column to view the inhabitants underwater world Australia: sharks, rays, turtles, coral reef inhabitants and other marine animals.

Western Europe: celebrates the New Year with elements of choral singing, a lit, decorated Christmas tree and luxurious gifts.

In Scotland and Wales, at the last second of the old year, the doors are supposed to be opened wide to let out the Old Year and let in the New!

In Scotland, on New Year's Eve, they set fire to tar in a barrel and roll the barrel through the streets. The Scots consider this a symbol of the burning of the Old Year. After this, the road to the New Year is open. The first person to enter a house after the New Year is believed to bring good luck or bad luck. A dark-haired man with a gift is fortunate.

In Wales, when going on a visit to celebrate the New Year, you should grab a piece of coal and throw it into the fireplace lit on New Year's Eve. This indicates the friendly intentions of the guests who came.

In France, on New Year's Eve, a bean is baked in gingerbread. And the best New Year's gift to a fellow villager - a wheel.

In Sweden, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to break dishes at your neighbors' doors.

For Italians, every New Year requires paying off debts, and secondly, parting with unnecessary trash. On the night of January 1, it is customary to throw old furniture, empty bottles, etc. out of apartment windows, so it is unsafe to be on the streets at this time.

Residents of Greece, going to visit to celebrate the New Year, take with them a stone, which is thrown at the threshold of a hospitable home. If the stone is heavy, they say: “Let the owner’s wealth be as heavy as this stone.” And if the stone is small, then they wish: “Let the thorn in the owner’s eye be as small as this stone.”

In the houses of Bulgaria, as midnight approaches on December 31, the lights are turned off for three minutes and the time comes for New Year's kisses, the secret of which is preserved by darkness.

In Romania, it is customary to bake small surprises into New Year's pies - coins, porcelain figurines, rings, hot pepper pods. A ring found in a cake means that the New Year will bring much happiness. And a pod of pepper will cheer up everyone around you.

The peoples of the North are the most interesting, unexpected, and festive. New Year's Eve here turns into the personification of a feeling of immense joy and friendliness of the holiday. This is a fair and sale, this is a sports competition, this is folklore with the presence of a Christmas tree and Santa Claus, who is the keeper of secrets and surprises on this New Year's Eve.

NEW YEAR IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.

New Year"s is one of the oldest celebrated holidays. It was first observed 4000 years ago in ancient Babylon. The celebration lasted for 11 days.

In Britain, the day after Christmas is called Boxing day and is also a public holiday. Traditional foods in Britain include Christmas cake-a cake containing a lot of dried fruit and usually having a covering of icing made to be eaten at Christmas, and mince pies. Going to bed children leave their stockings and shoes to receive presents the next morning.

Although many countries celebrate New Year's on the same day, each country has different traditions. In Southeast Asia people release birds and turtles for good luck in the coming year.

Cities and towns in the United States sparkle with bright lights and decorating. Homes, schools, shops and streets are decorated with New Year trees, colored lights, Santa Claus and his reindeer. The traditional colors of this holiday are red and green.

In Japan, people hang a rope of straw in front of their houses signifying happiness and good luck. They believe it keeps the evil spirits away. Japanese people begin to laugh the moment the New Year begins, so they will have good luck the whole year. In British Columbia, Canada there is a traditional polar bear swimming, where people put on their bathing suits and jump into icy cold water.

A New Year party on the New Year's Eve is the most common type of celebration in England. When at midnight the chimes of Big Ben are broadcast, they drink a toast to the New Year. The most famous celebration takes place in Trafalgar Square in London, where big crowds gather to welcome the New Year.

Some people in Scotland go outside and celebrate New Year on squares singing songs or dancing. The first man coming to you after the New Year Eve may bring you luck, especially if he comes with a piece of bread and coal. Bread symbolizes wealth and coal-warmth.

The first New Year in Russia was glamorously celebrated with a parade and fireworks on the night of January the 1st in 1700. All celebrations took place on Red Square in Moscow.

The song, "Auld Lang Syne," is traditionally sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world.

The custom of singing this song on New Year’s Eve goes back to the British Isles from the 18th century when the guests ended a party standing in a circle and singing this song.

The custom first was rooted in Scotland, because the lyrics were written in 1788 by Robert Burns, their favorite folk poet of the time. The entire song's message merely means to just forget about the past and look ahead to the New Year with hope.

§ 2. HISTORY AND TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

The story of the Nativity of Christ.

The Gospel tells in detail about the Nativity of the Savior.

An order came from Rome, from the emperor, to enumerate all the people of Palestine. Each resident had to appear on the appointed day in the city where his family began. Joseph put Mary on a donkey and they went to Bethlehem. By the time the small houses of Bethlehem appeared in the distance, Joseph and Mary were very tired from the road. Too many people gathered in the city for the census. All the houses were already occupied. Then Joseph took Mary to a cave where in winter the shepherds hid their cattle from the wind. Some straw was found in the cave, and the time had come for Mary to give birth to her son. She gave birth to Her Baby without pain and suffering, she swaddled Him herself and put Him in a manger - a feeding trough for sheep. The Radiant Child lay quietly on the straw in a dark cave and Joseph warmed him with his breath. Ox and donkey. This is how a great event in the world took place - the birth of the Savior.

Meanwhile, wise men, or wise men, arrived in Jerusalem from some eastern country. Studying the stars. They saw a new unusual star appear in the sky and realized that the expected Messiah had been born.

The Jewish king Herod, having heard about the appearance of an unusual star, and, therefore, about the birth of a new king, was afraid that his power would be taken away from him, because he was not a Jew. Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem to find out about the Child. He planned to kill him.

The same star walked across the sky before the Magi, showing them the way, and led them exactly to where the born baby Jesus was.

Mary and Joseph by this time had already moved from the cave to the city. The Magi entered the house and saw the Mother and Child. They bowed to Jesus to the ground and presented gifts: gold as a king (in the form of tribute), incense as God (because incense is used in worship), and myrrh as a person who was about to die (the dead were then rubbed with fragrant oils).

The angels sounded the trumpet so that the wise men would not return to Herod, since the king issued a decree on the beating of infants (King Herod was predicted that the end of his reign would come when the Savior was born to the world). Joseph told Mary to take the Child and go to Egypt. But Herod in Jerusalem did not wait for the wise men and decided. That they were mistaken - the baby was not born, and calmed down.

Christmas is a day of reconciliation, kindness, peacefulness, a day of glorifying Christ. Church services are held everywhere on Christmas night. All the candlesticks and chandeliers are lit, and the choir sings the doxology. And in the old days, when the clock struck midnight, everyone exchanged gifts, congratulated each other, and made wishes. It was believed that at Christmas the sky opens to the earth, and the heavenly forces fulfill all their plans; wishes must always be good.

Preparing for Christmas in Rus'.

Christmas, the great day of the entire Christian world, has long been accompanied by colorful folk customs. In many countries, as in Russia, it was considered one of the main family holidays. The Nativity of Christ merged with the ancient Slavic rite - Christmastide. Over time, Christmas rituals turned into Christmas rituals.

Christmas Orthodox family I waited all year, the preparation for it was thorough. For six weeks before Christmas we fasted and ate fish. Who is richer - beluga, sturgeon, pike perch; who is poorer - herring, catfish, bream. In Russia there was a lot of any kind of fish. But at Christmas everyone ate pork. In butcher shops, frozen pigs were piled to the ceiling like logs. Hams, chopped off for salting, lay in rows. For Christmas, carts filled with pork, piglets, geese, turkeys, hazel grouse, black grouse, and wood grouse were sent to the city. They traded directly from the sleigh - without weight, by eye. Three days before Christmas, there were forests of fir trees in markets and squares.

Traditions of Christmas celebration

There was no holiday more fun and more free in Rus' than Christmas. Young people arranged games and fun for themselves. For example, one of the young people dressed up in the skin of an animal, while others accompanied him with sticks and walked around neighboring houses. In each courtyard, the mummer ran in a circle three times, and his comrades chased after him with great noise (performing the ritual of exorcism). When they were invited to enter the house, the leader, crossing the threshold, shouted: “God, bless the house and everything in it - cattle, stones and wood! May everything in it be in abundance - meat, clothing, beds and health!” And after that they demanded gifts from the owners for their “work”, and they gladly presented them with gifts. Try not to give such gifts - they will definitely dismantle the woodpile and spread it around the yard or plug the chimney with something.

The older generation wasn’t bored either: the old people remembered and told about customs, the women told fortunes.

One of modern traditions Celebrating Christmas night was renting a cottage for Christmas for the whole family. It's nice not only to meet this wonderful holiday out in the countryside, in the Moscow region, but at the same time get a little winter rest in your own comfortable house, rented for a few days.

Christmas

Christmas is Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. For millions of Christians throughout the world it is the happiest and the busiest time of the year. No one knows the exact date of Christ's birth but most Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25. The word Christmas comes from Christens masse, an early English phrase that means Mass of Christ.

People of different countries celebrate Christmas in various ways. People in the United States and Canada decorate their homes with Christmas trees, wreaths and ornaments. City streets are filled with colored lights; the sound of bells and Christmas carols can be heard everywhere.

Children write letters to Santa Claus and tell him what presents they would like to get. Many department stores hire people to wear a Santa Claus costume and listen to children's requests. People send Christmas cards to relatives and friends.

Many companies give presents to their employees.
A Christmas tree is one of the main symbols of Christmas in most homes. Relatives and friends may join in trimming the tree with lights, tinsel, and colorful ornaments.

Presents are placed under the tree.

On Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, families open their presents.
Many children believe that Santa Claus arrives on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer and brings presents. Some children hang up stockings so Santa Claus can fill them with candy, fruit and other small gifts.
In many parts of the United States and Canada groups of people walk from house to house and sing Christmas carols.

Some people give singers money or small gifts or invite them for a warm drink.
Many people attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. They listen to readings from the Bible and singing Christmas carols.
A traditional Christmas dinner consists of stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and a variety of other dishes. Some families have ham or roast goose instead of turkey. Pumpkin pie, plum pudding, and fruitcake are favorite desserts.

§ 3. TRADITIONS OF CELEBRATING ST. VALENTINE'S DAY

Valentine's Day has been celebrated in Europe since the 13th century, in the United States since 1777, and in Russia more recently since the 1990s. Today, Valentine's Day has gone far beyond the scope of a purely Catholic holiday and has become the most popular and most beloved among many peoples.

The holiday of Valentine's Day, or St. Valentine's Day, in Europe, America, and Russia is unofficial and purely secular in nature, and not religious, as most people believe. But despite the fact that the holiday, Valentine's Day, is not marked in red on the calendar, most people in the world have written it down behind the scenes as part of their official celebrations.

To celebrate or not to celebrate Valentine's Day is an individual matter. And yet, this is a good reason to talk about your feelings - unfortunately, we don’t talk about it out loud very often. Although some believe that it is not necessary to wait for Valentine's Day to confess your love and give a gift, and even consider this holiday, to some extent, artificial.

And yet, Valentine's Day, despite its unofficial nature, is the favorite holiday among many peoples, primarily because modern world they talk too little about love. But one day a year they only talk about her, and that’s wonderful.

Many countries celebrate Valentine's Day, and it has already acquired the traditions that one or another country has endowed it with. But the essence is the same: love is always wonderful, it’s always a holiday!

For example, in Italy, Valentine's Day is called "sweet" because on this day carefree Italians give each other sweets. In France, on Valentine's Day, the idea of ​​quatrain messages was brought to life for the first time. The French also hold various romantic competitions, such as the competition for the longest love serenade.

The Japanese have somewhat improved this competition. On Valentine's Day, they're putting the loudest, most passionate message to the test. Boys and girls climb onto the platform and shout out their love confessions in turn. In addition, in all countries it was very popular to organize weddings and get married on Valentine's Day.

Some argue that on Valentine's Day, a woman can approach the man she likes and ask him to marry her, in a word, propose to him. If he is not ready for such a decisive step, then he should thank the woman and give her a silk dress, and himself a silk cord with a heart. Interestingly, this custom has existed in Europe for several centuries. Well, that in itself is quite unusual. In some countries, lovers give clothes to unmarried girls on Valentine's Day. If the girl accepted the gift, it means that she agrees to marry this person.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Americans came up with their own custom for Valentine's Day - giving marzipan figures to their loved ones. Marzipans contained a lot of sugar, which was a huge luxury at that time.

Since Valentine's Day began to be celebrated in Europe much earlier than in the rest of the world, European celebration traditions have earlier roots.

It is customary for Poles every year on Valentine's Day to visit the Poznan metropolis, where the relics of St. Valentine supposedly rest, and also hangs an icon of St. Valentine, which is considered miraculous. Poles believe that this icon will help in solving sometimes even insoluble love problems.

And in Denmark, lovers on Valentine's Day prefer to send each other bouquets of dried flowers. Some ancient customs are still known. The English tradition was to choose "Valentine". On Valentine's Day, young men gathered for a general meeting, where they wrote the girls' names on parchment. Then each of them drew lots. The name that the young man pulled out obliged him to be “Valentin” for a whole year until the next holiday, and the chosen person must be “Valentina”.

There was a tradition on Valentine's Day of dressing children in adult clothes. The guys went from house to house, singing songs about St. Valentine and congratulating all the lovers. In our time, the British have not moved away at all from ancient traditions. They only diversified them, congratulating not only people but also animals on Valentine’s Day.

The Welsh tradition of celebrating Valentine's Day was as follows: lovers gave their loved ones “spoons of love,” which were customarily decorated with keyholes with keys and hearts. By the way, the key and keyhole meant: “You found the way to my heart.”

The tradition of celebrating Valentine's Day and the Land of the Rising Sun has not bypassed. Japan began celebrating Valentine's Day in the 1930s. In Japan, Valentine's Day is generally considered an exclusively men's holiday - something like the men's March 8th. Therefore, gifts are given mainly to the stronger half of humanity.

This can be any male attribute: lotions, razors, wallet, etc. An integral part of this day in Japan is chocolate made in the form of a saint figurine. Based on this tradition, the following custom arose: only on Valentine’s Day a woman can calmly approach a man, give him a chocolate bar, declaring her love and without fear of being ridiculed.

In general, the Japanese give chocolate to absolutely everyone they know, because it’s the norm. These small gifts are called “giri choko”. They are cheap, so they are used only for congratulating minor persons, and gifts for loved ones are chosen with all diligence.

By the way, if a woman gives a man a “giri choko” on Valentine’s Day, he should in return give her some branded item and take her to a restaurant. Interestingly, exactly a month later, in March, a man must also present a return gift to his beloved - white chocolate. On March 14, Japan celebrates the so-called White Day.

However, Valentine's Day is not popular in all countries; for example, in Saudi Arabia, Valentine's Day is generally prohibited. It is prohibited to sell souvenirs, flowers and other paraphernalia for this holiday there, otherwise a fine will simply be imposed. The country even has a special commission that strictly monitors this. Arabs believe that Western traditions have a bad influence on young people.

But the most fun Valentine's Day celebrations take place in Jamaica. On this day, exotic weddings often take place at the country's resorts - lovers from all over the world come here to get married.

The German tradition of celebrating Valentine's Day may seem strange, but for them, St. Valentine is the patron saint of the mentally ill. They decorate psychiatric hospitals on this day. Perhaps because the Germans consider love to be a kind of temporary madness. So you shouldn’t be too surprised to see a decorated building in Germany. This is a psychiatric clinic.

In ancient times, Rus' was not deprived of its own triumph of love. It was celebrated in the summer and was associated with the legend of Peter and Fevronia. It so happens that Valentine's Day is one of the few European holidays that has taken root so well in Russia. And it’s very cool that to March 8 and February 23 a joint holiday has now been added: men’s and women’s, although unofficial. Everyone can celebrate Valentine's Day, because, as the poet said, all ages are submissive to love.

In Russia, Valentine's Day is celebrated as in Europe, perhaps with the only difference that on Valentine's Day Russians congratulate not only lovers, but also just friends who do not yet have a partner.

Valentine's cards and various souvenirs appear in stores for Valentine's Day and, of course, air balloons in the form of hearts. And on February 14, couples scurry about in the streets, and you unwittingly become infected with this atmosphere of love that comes from lovers.

And, of course, on Valentine's Day, competitions are held, some of them adopted from Europeans, for example, the competition for the longest kiss, which the French are very fond of. Parties that are held on this day in youth clubs have become especially popular. Mail for lovers has become no less popular in Russia.

St Valentine's Day

St Valentine’s Day comes on February 14. It is not a legal or a national holiday. Banks and offices are not closed, but it is a happy little festival for young people. St Valentine is the patron of sweethearts. February 14 is the anniversary of his death.

There are several legends about St. Valentine's Day. Each legend stems from real-life martyr known as Valentines who lived in the time of Roman Empire. It is unsure who St. Valentine was, but there are several possible candidates. One of these Valentines is believed to have been a Roman priest and physician. He was put into prison by Roman authorities for his teachings and was beheaded on February 14 in the third century A. D. According to the legend he performed a miracle -he cured the blindness of his jailer's daughter. Before the execution, he wrote her a letter signed “From Your Valentine” Another legend says that the same Valentine wrote to children and friends who loved him from the jail. After his death this Valentine was buried in the Roman road Via Flaminia. Pope Julius I is said to have later built a basilica above his grave. One more Saint Valentine candidate, believed to be a bishop of Teni (a province in central Italy), was executed in Rome.

According to another legend, Valentine was an Italian bishop who lived at about the same time. He was thrown into prison because he secretly married couples, contrary to the laws of the Roman Empire. The legend says that he was burned at the stake.

It is widely celebrated among people of all ages by exchange of “valentines”. A “valentine” may mean a special greeting-card or a little present. It may be for the person who receives the gift. The day is the time to send little gifts to those you love. Flowers and candy are favorite presents which sweethearts send to each other. Valentine candy is packed in red heart-shaped boxes and sold for this one day.

Valentines are special greeting cards. They are often colored red, have red trimmings and pictures of hearts. Some “valentines” are very fancy, they are trimmed with paper lace and little bows of paper ribbon. They have verses of love poetry printed on them.

It is a good day for parties, especially by young people. The hosts trim the hall with red and white paper hearts. Refreshments are often colored red, like red candy and punch. Sandwiches and cakes are often cut in the shape of hearts. Sometimes, a King and Queen of Hearts are chosen for the evening of dance.

It is a very interesting holiday and many people like to celebrate it.

CONCLUSIONS

The result project activities for us is the dialectical unity of the ideal and material product, namely:

perfect product– inferences and conclusions made on the basis of the studied information, formed knowledge.

Now I:

1. I know names of various winter holidays and their traditions in Russian and English;
2. I have a clear ideaabout the time of celebration and customs of different countries;
3. Understand about the possibility of developing this topic in the future and continuing further work on the project due to the great interest in the object and subject of study;

Now I can:

1. work with various sources of information (Internet, educational literature and additional literature, audio and video films);
2. select and systematize only the necessary information;
3. make a computer presentation;
4. talk in English about Christmas, New Year and Valentine's Day.

material product– a computer presentation as a result of the idea of ​​winter holidays in Britain.

BIBLIOGRAPHY (REFERENCES)

1. www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/curious/index.htm
   Another page dedicated to traditions and holidays that the British themselves call unusual.
2. www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/behaviour.html#rules
   www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/social.htm
   And here you will find something that most likely does not relate to traditions and way of life. The British call this social customs.
3. School exams. 1450 exam papers and ready-made answers. 11th grade – M.: Bustard, 2001. – 848 p.

ANNEX 1.

INDIVIDUAL TECHNOLOGICAL MAP

Individual technological map

(project milestones)

Project title: “Holidays in Britain: Christmas, New Year,

Valentine's Day"

Last name, first name: Bantyukova Alena

Class: 5 "B"

Project start date: 09.13.12

Project completion date: 1.03. 2013

APPENDIX 2.

PRESENTATION SLIDES

Hello my beloved readers.

What's your favorite holiday? Birthday? New Year? What do you know about holidays in England? Today I want to tell you about the most interesting National holidays. I also have a theme for you in English that you can use.

Let's start our list?

If you didn’t know, the British are madly in love. On this day, the period begins when New Year's celebrations begin. Traditionally, families get together, roast the turkey and make pudding. This is the most family celebration of all known.

In December, the British have another holiday - Boxing Day. History cannot give an exact definition of where and why this holiday originated. It may have appeared when the leftover lunches were being put into boxes the day after Christmas. Or because customers brought gifts in boxes that they didn’t like. However, now it is simply the day after Christmas that the British pay tribute to.

If you think that this is similar to our usual Maslenitsa, then you are very mistaken. The holiday takes place in March, a couple of days before Lent. Cities hold unique competitions: city residents run through the streets with frying pans in their hands, throwing pancakes and catch them.

Irish holiday, when on March 17 the people of Ireland honor the memory of the saint whose name commemorates the birth of christianity in the country. Traditional festivals with folklore are held throughout the country.

A very important holiday in the life of every Englishman. Usually the British are given 3 days to celebrate, and the traditional symbol is Easter eggs made of chocolate and the Easter bunny as a symbol of abundance and fertility.

A celebration of spring, when festivities and costume processions take place all over the country, and the city is decorated with colorful garlands.

The monarch's birthday is traditionally celebrated on one of the Saturdays in June, when the weather is warm. A parade takes place at the residence of the monarch, where soldiers in multi-colored uniforms march. And if you think that fireworks only go off at night, go to the UK for this holiday. On this day, at exactly noon, a 21-round fireworks display is launched. By the way, on the official website of this day you can leave your congratulations for.

The carnival, which takes place in the country at the end of August and is dedicated largely to people from the Afro-Caribbean community. The streets of some areas of London are painted in bright colors, and African and Caribbean music plays late into the night. By the way, the carnival previously attracted 2 million spectators and took 2nd place in terms of the number of participants.

In Great Britain, people decorate their houses, wear interesting outfits, go to neighbors and ask for sweets using trick-or-treat words. The symbol is empty pumpkin and a candle inside. This day is especially loved by the Irish, who set off many fireworks and light bonfires. Find out more about this holiday.

Fireworks are set off and bonfires are lit throughout the country. People often burn an effigy of Guy Fawkes, the man who wanted to bomb the Houses of Parliament in the 18th century. But in general, for most residents of the country, this is a day of farewell to autumn, when they can also burn all their garbage.

If you want to learn more about holidays in different countries, you will be interested in visiting the section - there you will find interesting texts in English and Russian.

If you want to learn a lot of new and interesting things about England (or Great Britain), welcome to the “” section

Well, now keep the text in English:

There are a lot of holidays in Great Britain. Christmas is the most beloved one in the country. Every year the whole family gathers together, cooks turkey and pudding. Next day is named Boxing day. Nobody really knows why it is called this way, but the holiday is loved by many people.

Pancake day is the day of meeting spring. There is a tradition when people run down the street with the pan in their hands and throw up the pancakes.

Easer is loved for the chocolate eggs and Easter Bunny. On the 17th of April the whole country celebrates St. Patrick's day. There are many folk music festivals. Everyone in the country also loves Queen’s birthday. There is a parade where the soldiers march in beautiful colored uniforms.

Notting Hill Carnival is dedicated to Afro-Caribbean citizens of the county. Some districts of the city are full with people in colored clothes and the music plays till the late night.

Halloween is extremely popular in the country. The houses are decorated; children wear funny clothes, wonder from house to house playing trick-or-treat game, and receive sweets.

So, there are many holidays in Great Britain that are not similar to ours but nevertheless are very interesting and sometimes unusual.

Useful phrases with translation:

to run down the street - run down the street

to throw up sth- throw something up

to be dedicated to - to be dedicated to something

to be full with sth - to be filled with something

till the late night - until late at night

to be decorated - to be decorated

to wander from place to place - wander from place to place

That's all, my dears. I hope you learned a lot of new things. Don't forget to subscribe to my delicious newsletter below if you want to continue to learn interesting facts and expand your horizons.

All nationalities have their own national holidays, traditions and customs that are unique to their culture. Residents of every country love festive events, prepare for them, look forward to them, celebrate them with pleasure and say goodbye until next year with regret. English holidays are an integral part of the culture of the English-speaking world, a way of self-expression, the source of habits and behavior. Often, in order to understand the soul and character of the inhabitants of a particular country, it is necessary to get acquainted with their customs and traditions. Let's look at the most famous holidays celebrated by residents of English-speaking countries.

Holidays in England

New Year, January 1st. The most important custom of this winter holiday, which the British invariably reverence - the tradition of the first guest. If a dark-haired man enters the house after midnight, then the next year will be successful for this family. The guest must bring a coal with him and, without saying a word, throw it into the fireplace, and only after that congratulate the hosts. This custom means that peace and prosperity will reign in the house.

One of the favorite holidays of the British, which is celebrated on a grand scale. Secret presentation of gifts, pairing by lot, exchange of sweets and soft toys- this Valentine's Day consists of nothing but surprises. And, of course, a wide variety of hearts.

Mother's Day, March 22. An analogue of our March 8th. This holiday has its roots in Victorian era, when children from an early age had to earn money through hard work, being far from home. And they could only spend one day a year with their family. Now this is a holiday in England, when children give their mothers flowers and touching gifts.

Walpurgis Night, April 30. Witches' Sabbath or fertility festival. According to legend, at this time all the witches gather together and the gates to the land of the elves open. The streets of England are filled with witches of all ages - not real ones, of course, but townspeople in carnival costumes. This holiday also marks the imminent arrival of summer.

Chimney Sweep Festival, May 1st. The British believe that meeting a chimney sweep is a very good sign that brings good luck and happiness. Therefore, they are very often invited to weddings. This tradition originated a long time ago, from the times when the hard work of chimney sweeps was revered - they were respected at all times and were considered noble people.

Street entertainment festival, August 12. This holiday lasts several days, the streets of the cities are filled with noisy crowds. Carnivals, parades, concerts, theatrical performances, folk festivals, colorful fairs, competitions and attractions - on this day few people stay at home, everyone succumbs to the general noisy and cheerful mood.

Halloween, October 31st. Every year on this day, the streets of England turn into a real fairy tale with witches in hats, devils with pitchforks, ominous pumpkins, and other “cute” characters. Children dressed as fairy-tale characters go from house to house with baskets, and according to tradition, they should be treated to sweets, otherwise there will be no luck.

Christmas, December 25th. A favorite holiday not only for English children, but also for the older generation. According to tradition, all residents of England hang stockings or socks on the fireplace so that Santa Claus can put gifts in them. If you believe the legend, once upon a time Santa accidentally dropped a gold coin into his sock through a chimney, and since then there has been a custom of hanging a stocking on the fireplace on Christmas Eve - what if something falls there?

Holidays in Scotland

New Year, January 1st. In Scotland, this holiday is called Hogmanay, and is celebrated on a larger scale than Christmas. Here, just like in England, there is a tradition for the first guest to bring cookies, whiskey or fruit pie. After midnight, the owners open the doors of their houses wide open to celebrate the old year, and processions with torches are organized on the streets to drive out evil spirits with fire.

Robert Burns Night, January 25th. A very revered holiday in Scotland in honor of the national and famous poet, of which the Scots are very proud and honor his memory every year. This event is celebrated according to a certain scenario, in national costumes, with skits, poetry readings, songs, dances and a gala dinner.

Whiskey Festival, May 3. This holiday has no specific origins; on this day, the Scots simply gather to have fun. Noble alcohol flows like a river, and competitions are held with prizes for rare varieties of whiskey.

Independence Day, June 24. As the story goes, on this day in 1324, Robert the Bruce (King of Scotland) defeated the English King, restoring independence in his country. Today this holiday is celebrated on a grand scale - with folk festivities, concerts, festivals, national songs and dances.

Bagpipe Championship, August 14. This event takes place annually in Green Park (Glasgow) throughout the day. An indispensable condition: each participant must be dressed in a national Scottish costume with a mandatory kilt.

St. Andrew's Day, November 30. The day of the patron saint of Scotland, St. Andrew, is the country's official holiday. It is celebrated very widely: with performances, fairs, music and dancing. On the tables on this day there is exclusively traditional food.

Holidays in Ireland

New Year, January 1st. The oldest holiday in Ireland, it is celebrated mainly in the family circle for festive table. On New Year's Eve, the Irish traditionally open the doors for good luck, prepare national dishes (pudding and cumin pie), and wait for any guests, who, according to tradition, must bring bread and salt to the owners. Unfortunately, there are no fireworks or fireworks in Ireland, as they are prohibited by law.

St.Patrick 's Day. March 17. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, so this holiday is considered very important among the Irish. Only in this country is it celebrated on a grand scale and marks the arrival of spring. On this day, residents put on red wigs and green suits, and, not forgetting to grab pots of clover (the symbol of Ireland), rush to the parade, where dancing, music and fireworks await them.

Harvest Festival, August 1st. In Ireland, the imminent arrival of autumn is celebrated with the festival of Lughnasadh, which means “the wedding of the Lugh.” Its essence is gratitude to the gods for a good harvest. On this day, the Irish eat loaves of grain from the new harvest, light fires in the hills, bake traditional blueberry pies and make straw dolls.

Christmas, December 25th. It is considered the most important holiday in Ireland. Children decorate the Christmas tree, hang red stockings on the fireplace, leave pies for Santa's reindeer, adults stuff the turkey and make dried fruit pudding, and hang bells and holly wreaths on the door. And on the streets artists of different genres perform, choirs sing Christmas songs and fairs and sales take place.

St. Stephen's Day, December 26th. A holiday celebrated only in Ireland. On this day, all Irish boys dress up as chimney sweeps, smear soot on their faces, sing hymns and collect money, which then goes to charity. Horse racing is also held on this day, as St. Stephen is the patron saint of horses.

Holidays in Australia

New Year, January 1st. In Australia, the New Year comes early. This holiday is celebrated wildly, with music shows and magnificent fireworks. After the clock strikes midnight, the festivities are traditionally interrupted by the ringing of bells and car horns, after which Australians continue the celebrations at picnics, rodeos, beach parties, costume carnivals, etc.

Australia Day, January 26th. The most favorite holiday of the inhabitants of this country. Parades and regattas take place throughout Australia, with beautiful fireworks flying into the sky in all regions. Music festivals, cricket matches, presentation of the honorary award “Australian of the Year” - the local population celebrates this holiday on a grand scale. Houses are decorated with flags and balloons, and all Australians give each other gifts.

Royal Regatta, February 9. This holiday lasts three days and a huge crowd of spectators gathers to watch it. The regatta includes water skiing, rowing, boat racing, sailing and a colorful event where the most beautiful girl receives the title "Miss Regatta". There are also exciting shows - swimming competitions and performances by sky diving professionals.

Mardi Gras Festival, February 24. Parade-carnival of non-traditional people sexual orientation. It is the largest festival in the world and carries an almost cult-like connotation. Every year, crowds of spectators gather at this event to watch dancers in erotic costumes, exotic cabaret, theatrical performances and musical shows. Every year this festival is visited by celebrities from all over the world.

Harmony Day, March 21. In Australia it is not so much a holiday as a social event. On this day, every Australian attaches an orange ribbon to their clothing, thereby protesting against racism and racial discrimination. Schoolchildren wear an orange badge and a sticker with a picture happy people of different races, and students draw leaflets and hand them out to passers-by - this is how Australians say “no” to racism.

Father's Day, September 6th. The essence of the holiday is to emphasize the important role a father plays in raising his child. In Australia, this day is celebrated with great joy, children enthusiastically draw cards for their dads, uncles and grandfathers, make crafts with their own hands, and give the most popular gift - a tie. Father's Day is a home holiday where the whole family gets together and plays exciting intellectual games.

Christmas, December 25th. This holiday is held in Australia in a very colorful and original way. Sellers, drivers and ordinary employees wear hats with reindeer horns, and Santa Claus walks around shopping centers and takes pictures with children. On Christmas night, life on the city streets comes to a standstill - everyone gathers at the festive table. Traditional holiday dishes include turkey, fruit salad and seafood.

Boxing Day, December 26th. The day when all Australians traditionally exchange gifts. What’s interesting: if you don’t like the gift, the giver can exchange it in the store for something else. A gift is always given in a box, so it takes a long time to unpack it - for intrigue. This is the whole essence of this Australian holiday.

Holidays in the USA and Canada

New Year, January 1st. In Canada and many US states, it is customary to celebrate the New Year in fancy dress and masks, which are removed at midnight. In other states, people simply gather with the whole family around the festive table with traditional New Year's dishes. Also a large number of people come to New York specifically to watch the grandiose festive concert with fireworks.

Groundhog Day, February 2. An annual holiday much loved by Americans. They believe that the groundhog can predict the coming of spring; you just need to watch his behavior. According to legend, if a groundhog calmly crawls out of its hole, then winter will soon end. If he looks out and hides again, then the cold will last at least another month. Very often, Groundhog Day is celebrated with festivals that attract many tourists.

Valentine's Day, February 14th. Traditional holiday in the USA and Canada, accompanied by Valentine hearts and chocolates. Recently, on Valentine's Day in these countries, it is customary to give modern gadgets and other practical and useful things. It is on February 14 that the largest number of wedding ceremonies occur.

Grandparents Day, September 5th. This holiday was invented by a housewife from West Virginia. But the Americans liked the idea so much that it was decided to make the holiday national. On this day, the whole family comes to their elderly with flowers and gifts to play old-fashioned games and look at yellowed photographs, and grandparents treat their children and grandchildren to sweet pies.

Halloween, October 31st. The most popular holiday in the USA and Canada, which is also called All Saints' Day. It’s almost a fairy-tale spectacle when kids dressed in “scary” costumes knock on the doors of houses with the words “Trick or treat!” in the hope of turning out sweets. Residential buildings are decorated with pumpkins with “glowing eyes,” figurines of black cats, witch dolls, and other mystical creatures and symbols.

Thanksgiving Day, November 26th. It is also a very popular holiday among Americans. There are many traditions associated with it, which the residents reverence sacredly - they always go to church services and gather with the whole family at the festive table. On this day, charity flourishes - gifts are given to the homeless and needy. The most important attribute of the holiday is the stuffed turkey.

Christmas, December 25th. People in the USA and Canada prepare for this holiday in advance - buy gifts and Christmas decorations, decorate houses with tinsel and garlands. All states are full of festive illuminations and colorful lanterns, and the main Christmas tree of America is lit by the president himself. Children dressed as angels go around the surrounding houses and sing Christmas carols, for which they traditionally receive candies and sweets.

There are many national holidays in Russia, when people all over the country do not work and have special celebrations. The major holidays are: New Year's Day, Women's Day, May Day, Victory Day, and Independence Day.

The first holiday of the year is New Year"s Day. People see the new year in at midnight on the 31st of December. They greet the new year with champagne and listen to the Kremlin chimes beating 12 o"clock.

There are lots of New Year traditions in Russia. In every home there is a New Year tree glittering with colored lights and decorations. Children always wait for Father Frost to come and give them a present. Many people consider New Year's Day to be a family holiday. But the young prefer to have New Year parties of their own.

A renewed holiday in our country is Christmas. It is celebrated on the 7th of January. It"s a religious holiday and a lot of people go to church services on that day.

Non-official "Men"s Day" is the 23d of February, it is a public holiday called "The Homeland Defenders Day". All men in Russia are liable for call-up (including reservists), so they all are celebrities. On this day women usually give men small gifts.

On the 8th of March we celebrate Women's Day when men are supposed to do everything about the house and cook all the meals. This is pretty nice — at least once a year women can take a break and forget about all those dishes, cooking , kids, take a magazine and relax on a coach.

The 1st of May is the Day of Labour. During Soviet time there were huge demonstrations on this day, as everyone was obliged to show his loyalty to the state; now only communists organize meetings on this date.

The greatest national holiday in our country is Victory Day. On the 9th of May, 1945, the Soviet Army and its allies completely defeated the German fascists and the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War ended. A magnificent memorial on Poklonnaya Gora has been built to commemorate the Victory. Many veterans take part in the military parade and lay wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Radio and television broadcast popular war songs. A lot of guests from different countries of the. world come to Moscow to participate in the celebrations.

Independence Day is a new holiday in our country. On the 12th of June, 1992, the first President of Russia was elected.

The 1st of September is the Day of Knowledge — it"s the beginning of a school year. Children go to schools with flowers for teachers, there are meetings before the classes start.

The 12th of December—the Constitution Day. This day the first Constitution of the Russian Federation was adopted in 1993 (previous Constitutions were all Soviet Unions).

Russians love to celebrate. We adopted the Western holidays such as St. Valentine, and Halloween. We also appreciate Chinese New Year, Muslim and Jewish holidays, as Russians are very tolerant to other religions.

We also celebrate Easter and lots of professional holidays which are not public holidays and banks, offices and schools do not close.

Translation:

There are many national holidays in Russia. People all over the country are off work and special celebrations are being held. Main public holidays: New Year, March 8, May 1, Victory Day and Independence Day.

The first holiday of the year is New Year. People celebrate the New Year at midnight on December 31st. They celebrate the New Year with champagne and listen to the Kremlin chimes counting down 12 strokes.

There are many new year traditions in Russia. Every home has Christmas tree sparkling with colored lights and decorations. Children are always waiting for Santa Claus to come and give them gifts. Many people believe that New Year is a family holiday. But young people prefer to organize their own New Year's parties.

A renewed holiday in our country is Christmas. It is celebrated on January 7th. This - religious holiday and many people go to church services on this day.

The unofficial “Men's Day” is February 23rd; it is a holiday called “Defender of the Fatherland Day.” On this day, women usually give men small gifts.

On March 8th we celebrate Women's Day, when men are expected to do all the housework and cook all the food. This is pretty good - at least once a year women can relax and forget about all those dishes, cooking, children, grab a magazine and relax on the couch.

May 1st - Labor Day. During the Soviet Union, huge demonstrations were held on this day, as everyone had to show their loyalty to the state; Now only communists organize rallies on this day.

The biggest national holiday in our country is Victory Day. On May 9, 1945, the Soviet army and its allies completely defeated the German fascists and the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War are over. A majestic memorial was built on Poklonnaya Hill to commemorate the victory. Many veterans take part in the military parade and lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Radio and television broadcast popular war songs. Many guests from around the world come to Moscow to take part in the celebrations.

Independence Day - new holiday in our country. On June 12, 1992, the first president of Russia was elected.

September 1st - Knowledge Day - is the beginning of the school year. Children go to schools with flowers for teachers, and lines are held before classes begin.

December 12th is Constitution Day. On this day in 1993, the first Constitution of the Russian Federation was adopted (the previous ones were Constitutions of the Soviet Union).

Russian people love to celebrate. We have adopted Western holidays such as Valentine's Day and Halloween. We also respect Chinese New Year, Muslim and Jewish holidays, as Russians are very tolerant of other religions.

We also celebrate Easter and a lot professional holidays, which are not holidays and banks, offices and schools are not closed.